C55 Purchase Opinion
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
C55
C55 Purchase Opinion
New to the Mercedes brand I have been in the hunt for a C55 for several months. It has been difficult to find a good one for reasonable money. I have found a black 2005 model with 79,000 miles, no accident history, and good maintenance records. The current owner addressed the typical items (valve cover gaskets, crank and cam sensors, belt, battery, tires, etc.) and it shows well on the hi res photos. Carfax and Autocheck are clean.
I will not be able to inspect the car personally as it is several states away but the seller has been honest about cosmetic defects and answers all questions completely.
The deal has been negotiated to $12K and I cover the freight to my door. Although black is my least desired color I can live with it for a good car at a good price. Should I roll the dice and purchase or keep looking?
I will not be able to inspect the car personally as it is several states away but the seller has been honest about cosmetic defects and answers all questions completely.
The deal has been negotiated to $12K and I cover the freight to my door. Although black is my least desired color I can live with it for a good car at a good price. Should I roll the dice and purchase or keep looking?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 359
Likes: 5
From: Kansas City,MO, USA
2015 E350 4 matis, 2003- 911 porsche
New to the Mercedes brand I have been in the hunt for a C55 for several months. It has been difficult to find a good one for reasonable money. I have found a black 2005 model with 79,000 miles, no accident history, and good maintenance records. The current owner addressed the typical items (valve cover gaskets, crank and cam sensors, belt, battery, tires, etc.) and it shows well on the hi res photos. Carfax and Autocheck are clean.
I will not be able to inspect the car personally as it is several states away but the seller has been honest about cosmetic defects and answers all questions completely.
The deal has been negotiated to $12K and I cover the freight to my door. Although black is my least desired color I can live with it for a good car at a good price. Should I roll the dice and purchase or keep looking?
I will not be able to inspect the car personally as it is several states away but the seller has been honest about cosmetic defects and answers all questions completely.
The deal has been negotiated to $12K and I cover the freight to my door. Although black is my least desired color I can live with it for a good car at a good price. Should I roll the dice and purchase or keep looking?
I would go and drive it, John
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 158
Likes: 3
From: On a couch
2006 C55
If it is a couple of states over wouldn't it be worth it to drop $500 or so on a plane ticket and look at the car yourself and have it shipped? 12K is a decent price, but still a lot of cash to drop without seeing it in person.
I would fly out, set up a PPI, fly back and have the car shipped if the PPI goes well and you are good after the test drive. Another $800 or so on top of the 12K is worth it for me to have that piece of mind.
I would fly out, set up a PPI, fly back and have the car shipped if the PPI goes well and you are good after the test drive. Another $800 or so on top of the 12K is worth it for me to have that piece of mind.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh
2005 C55, 2007 Volvo XC90 V8 Sport
I will weigh in on this one. I bought a 2005 with 64000 on it a few years ago and paid $17k for it. I live in Pittsburgh and the car was in Connecticut. I had the owner take the car to a local Highline repair shop that on google maps had BMW, Maserati, a Ferrari and so on in the parking lot. The guys checked it over and were able to give me a non-biased vote on the sellers description. It was cheaper for me to fly out and drive it home than it was to ship it so I met the guy in NYC and drove it home. Great experience!!! That would be what I would do again.
Good Luck!!!
Good Luck!!!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
C55
Thanks to all for the solid advice, price comparisons, etc. The car is 1400 miles away so I will have a PPI done by an independent shop. If the car checks out I will pursue purchase. I will keep the group posted on the progess and thanks again for all of the advice!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
From: arlington, va
2005 c55
Traction143 did you buy the car? I think I am looking at the same one on cars.com. Is this car in Minneapolis, MN? I just sent him and email and called him and have not heard back. It seems the guy has maintained the car very well and is in great shape.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
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C55
I was very close to purchasing the car but found a low mileage model closer to home. The Minneappolis car is very nice and well maintained. I would recommend pursuing as its a good car at a good price. Pm me if you want more detail...
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7
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c55 amg
I am considering selling my white 05 c55 if you are interested. Really nice shape outside, interior is basically perfect, primary cat removed, nice black wheels 18x8 and 18x9(not sure what brand), Michelin pilot super sport tires, 2 owner, clean car fax, 77k miles. Im very closes to cincinnati ohio. Pm me if you want to see some pics.
Also carfax shows the service done at mercedes dealer since it was new. I just had the problematic crank position sensor changed at mb dealer. I have the receipt as well.
Also carfax shows the service done at mercedes dealer since it was new. I just had the problematic crank position sensor changed at mb dealer. I have the receipt as well.
Last edited by Brent_amg; Jul 25, 2015 at 08:06 PM.
